Rockwall ISD Board tours the Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy

The Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees went on a tour of the Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy on April 25, 2018. Back row from left: Chris Cuny, Place 1 Trustee; Jon Bailey, Board Vice President and Place 4 Trustee; Jim White, Place 5 Trustee; and Russ Childers, Board Secretary and Place 2 Trustee. Front row from left: Leigh Plagens, Place 6 Trustee; Dr. John “J. J.” Villarreal, Rockwall ISD Superintendent; Stephanie Adams, Board President and Place 7 Trustee; and Linda Duran, Place 3 Trustee.

(ROCKWALL, TX – May 2, 2018) Last week, the Rockwall ISD Board of Trustees were invited to take a tour of the Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy (2301 John King Blvd) opening this coming fall.

The Trustees strapped on hard hats and safety vests and were guided through the entire academy, marveling at the many spacious classrooms and layout of the 154,944-square-foot facility that will house a max capacity of 1,100 students. The academy will share space with Rockwall ISD and Collin College to support interdisciplinary instruction and access to career/technical certifications and two-year degrees. Other features of the academy include a student union functioning as a dining/social/commons area; a lecture hall supporting the higher education model of instruction; multipurpose science and engineering labs; flexible furniture and movable technology throughout the building; and an outdoor amphitheater to create a sense of community for local residents.

“After the tour I thought, wow! The possibilities for our public school students are limitless!” said Rockwall ISD Board President Stephanie Adams. “Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy is impressive and will offer Rockwall ISD students more opportunities than ever before to achieve their dreams through specialized classes, such as our award winning culinary arts, STEM and fashion programs combined with forensic science, business and more.

“In addition, our students will have numerous opportunities to earn dual college credit through the Collin College partnership which will be located in the academy building. Our Trustees are excited about the upcoming announcement of a partnership with a four-year university on May 23rd and are very pleased with the progress of the building. Most importantly, we look forward to the future of every Rockwall ISD student. We believe our community will be very proud!”